Basic question about Japanese rifle function

[Military Trader]

Hi. I have this arisaka rifle and for the life of me I can't get the safety off. the way I understand it you push in the round knob at the back of the bolt and turn left (as the notch is to the right now -- but I can't seem to get it.

Any help would be appreciated

Dennis

[Wilhelm]

It has been some time since I owned an Arisaka, but that sounds right. Do you know for sure the rifle is unloaded? Have you tried some type of penetrating oil? WD 40, Tri Flo etc? Perhaps a gentle tap with a rubber mallet? Good luck.
Wilhelm

[juoneen]

Have you ever taken the bolt apart? It may be possible the bolt was disassembled , then reassembled incorrectly. The bolt should not be able to be removed if the bolt safety is on, and the way you described taking the safety off is correct. I have an idea...try pulling the trigger , and holding the trigger down as you try and slide the bolt bacwards. I hope it is not loaded, but doubt it is as few have ammo for them . Also take the follower plate off beffore pulling the trigger by releasing the floor plate first by pulling the catch at the front of the follower. That should release the bolt once the follower plate and spring have been removed from the rifle. The follower that pushes up the shells is likely caught on the bolt, I would not hit it with anything before trying this trick....let me know if it worked.

it also may be you may need to push the bolt forward again gently, and then try and release the safety again, after taking the follower and spring out first. One of these will likely work . You never have to force any gun , if so, its best to try something else but forcing it. Check also that the dust cover is in the groove properly on both sides first, as if it isnt in properly where it can slide smoothely, that may also hold it from coming back .

[Military Trader]

Thanks gentlemen -- I will check it out

[muddinman04]

From the picture, I can see that your safety has been installed incorrectly. There are threads over on the Japanese rifle section of Gunboards.com that will address this issue. Search stuck bolt.

[Military Trader]

Thanks sir -- makes sense

[Richard T]

Here's what worked for me when having a similar jam due to not putting the safety back on correctly.

Take the bolt-stop block off the left side of the receiver. This reveals a large hole where you could see into the action. Take a flathead screwdriver to push the cocking lug backwards. When back as far as it will go, push in the safety and twist. The spring and firing pin should pop completely out of the bolt.

Richard

[Military Trader]

Thanks Richard

[MikeP]

The guys are right on incorrect reassembly-very easy to do and really a poor design for a main battle rifle.

Some guys even remove the stock to accomplish this.

If the screws are still staked, I would not do that.

be careful poking around as it is easy to gouge up the stock.